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This is an excellent entry level opportunity
to help families in your community!
We seek people who have had personal experience (no work experience needed)
as the informal caregiver (family member or relative) of a child/youth
in place of the child’s birth parents.
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Who We Are
Founded in 1999, Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) is a statewide nonprofit with a central office in Columbia, Md., and staff located in communities throughout the state. Using personal experience as parents, caregivers, youth and other loved ones, we connect, support and empower Maryland’s families. Our staff provide one-to-one support to parents and caregivers of young people with mental health issues and to any loved one who cares for someone with a substance use or gambling issue. We also advocate to improve systems that impact individuals with behavioral health challenges.
Overview
Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) has a part-time (20 hours per week) employment opportunity for a Kinship Navigator to serve families in Frederick County. The candidate must have personal (not work related) experience as an informal caregiver/relative (Grandparent, Aunt/Uncle, cousin, etc.) of a child/youth in place of the child’s birth parents for an extended period (more than one year). After training and orientation, the Kinship Navigator will provide support, education, advocacy, coaching, information, referrals and follow-up to families seeking assistance.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide education and support to informal family/relative caregivers to negotiate their way through the social services, legal, educational and health care systems.
- Assist informal family/relative caregivers to identify strengths, needs and connect kinship families with resources, entitlements, community resources and other natural supports.
- Provide emotional support to informal family/relative caregivers.
- Assist informal family/relative caregivers to build their own community based support network.
- Assist informal family/relative caregivers to access supports and services by: sharing information about resources and supports; providing guidance in completing applications; supporting informal family/relative caregivers to fully understand their rights; reviewing documents such as IEPs or reports with informal family/relative caregivers to ensure they fully understand documents; accompanying caregivers to meetings; and educating them caregivers on laws, policies and procedures.
- Facilitate a monthly support group for informal family/relative care providers.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with agencies and providers of services.
- Collaborate with other MCF staff to develop support and educational programs that empower families.
Qualifications
- Personal experience as a relative/family member acting as the caregiver of a child/youth in place of the birth parents for an extended time (more than one year).
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Must live in Frederick County
- Familiarity with state and local resources and knowledge of how to access them.
- Ability to build and maintain partnerships with agencies and providers.
- Active listening skills for providing non-judgmental peer support and engagement to families.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Good computer skills.
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Hours/Compensation
- 20 hours per week
- Flexible work schedule
- Salary $17 per hour
- Paid time off and other benefits
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To be considered for this position, you must submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest in this position and relevant experience as an informal caregiver of a child/youth. Please provide details regarding what services and resources you have used to support your loved one.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that mailed or faxed resumes will not be considered. No phone calls please.
Diversity
In line with MCF’s commitment to building a talented and inclusive staff, women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, 8gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination.
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Key words: kinship care, social services, human services, direct support professional, peer support, social work, casework, mental health, entry level, families, personal experience, entry level
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